What happens when change is focused on altering how an organization works?

Focusing on altering how an organization works emphasizes the importance of internal processes, culture, and collaboration towards achieving a broader vision. When a change initiative aims to modify organizational operations, it often requires a clear vision of the outcomes that stakeholders expect, which can lead to some ambiguity. This is because while the desired future state is articulated, the means of getting there may not be precisely defined.

This approach encourages iterative learning and adaptation as the organization navigates the transition, which can introduce uncertainties as teams work to understand and implement the changes. The flexibility to explore various methods to achieve those outcomes allows for innovation and responsiveness to challenges that may arise during the implementation process.

In contrast, leading with a detailed implementation plan might not capture the requisite adaptive journey and could hinder the organization from adjusting smoothly to the new ways of working. Similarly, focusing solely on clearly defined outputs or cost-cutting could overlook the more holistic, transformational aspects that are critical when changing operational focus.